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Images courtesy of Heritage
Rare Coin Auctions, Inc.
Significant examples:
Recent appearances:
AU-55 (illustrated above).
Ex - Alfred S. Lippman - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Santa
Clara" Signature Sale, November 16-17, 2000, Lot 5327, where it was
described as follows: "1861 Confederate States of
America, Scott Restrike Half Dollar AU 55. Breen-8002. A splendid, well
preserved specimen of this famous restrike of the Confederate half dollar,
struck in 1879 by New York City coin dealer J.W. Scott. The reverse
displays original light gray toning with champagne and ice-blue
highlights, with very few abrasions visible even under magnification. The
obverse is lighter in color, and has a pinkish overall cast. Only a slight
trace of wear appears on the reverse, and the obverse was obviously a
rather high grade example when the reverse was smoothed down and restruck
with the Confederate die.
Only four original Confederate half dollars were struck in the New Orleans
mint in 1861, using the regular Seated Liberty obverse die that was
already on hand for federal coinage, and a new reverse die that was
engraved by A.H.M. Patterson. Scott obtained the original Confederate
States of America half dollar die in the 1870s, and proceeded to make 500
restrikes from the die in soft white metal, with an advertising
inscription for Scott on the obverse and the impression of the Confederate
die on the reverse. After these pieces were struck, he obtained 500 Seated
half dollars dated 1861 (ostensibly from the New Orleans mint), planed off
the reverse of each coin, and struck 500 examples with the regular Seated
half dollar design on the obverse and the Confederate half design on the
reverse. The obverse was slightly flattened on each resulting example
(hence the restrikes are graded by the reverse only), but collectors could
then obtain a specimen with the same obverse and reverse designs, and
struck from the same reverse die, that was originally intended for a
proposed Confederate coinage.
As the four original specimens struck in 1861 seldom appear on the market
and are high priced rarities, most collectors will never own one, and only
a lucky few ever have the chance to even see one. The restrikes represent
a relatively affordable opportunity to own a prized example, struck from
the original Confederate die, of what "might have been" had the
Confederacy proceeded with its original coinage plans. The restrikes have
earned their place as highly desirable numismatic items, and this
attractive specimen, while it may not be the most expensive item in this
sale, certainly ranks among the most interesting, and should inspire
spirited bidding among Southerners and Northerners alike." at
$4,715.00.
Notes:
Sources and/or recommended
reading:
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